Security industry backs DLCP and MPD Rap Back enrollment to speed background checks for officers

Steve Amate, executive director of the National Association of Security Companies (NASSCO), told the June 9 hearing that private security officers constitute a large occupational group in the District and that efficient licensing processes are important both for jobs and public safety. NASSCO said recent DLCP improvements to application, renewal and transfer processes for security licenses have been constructive.

Amate urged council support for a specific FY 2026 provision in Title III of the mayor’s budget that would authorize District enrollment in the FBI Rap Back service for District‑licensed security officers and certain other licensees who require fingerprint‑based background checks. He said Rap Back would allow the Metropolitan Police Department and DLCP to be notified if an enrolled officer is subsequently arrested, removing the need for recurring fingerprint collection at renewal (annual for special police; biennial for security officers) and freeing MPD resources.

In his testimony Amate said Rap Back “really is a game changer” because the FBI would notify MPD immediately if an enrolled officer is arrested and, depending on the charge, the officer’s license could then be suspended or revoked. Director Tiffany Crowe and committee members acknowledged Rap Back as an operational improvement to background‑check processes and public‑safety oversight.

Ending: The committee noted the Rap Back proposal and requested follow-up on statutory language, implementation costs, and coordination steps with MPD and the Mayor’s Office to enable enrollment.